The low back, also known as the lumbar spine, is made up of five vertebrae. Of all sections of the spine, the low back takes most of the day’s stress. Low back pain can be the result of poor posture, lifting heavy objects, disc issues, or poor core control and stability. The following stretches for lower back and hip pain can help alleviate discomfort and improve muscle strength.

Instructions for stretches: Hold stretch 60-90 seconds, rest equal time. Do 2-3 sets.

Instructions for poses: Hold poses for 5-20 seconds, rest double the time the pose is held.

Child’s Pose Stretch

Drop your forehead to the floor or to a blanket and let your neck relax. Keep a slight curve in your lower back. To feel a nice long stretch in your spine, press the hands down and stretch through the arms while pulling your hips back toward your heels.

Knee to Chest Stretch

Lie on your back with your knees bent. Bring one knee into your hands and gently let your arms pull your knee toward your chest. Hold, then lower your bent leg. Relax, then repeat with the other leg.

Low Back Rotation Stretch

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Drop both knees to one side. Turn your head to the other side. Keep your shoulders flat on the floor. Hold for 20 seconds. Slowly switch sides. Repeat 2 to 5 times.

Seated Piriformis Stretch

Sit at the edge of the chair with your feet flat on the floor. Place your right ankle on your left thigh close to the knee. Flex the right foot (bringing your toes towards your shin). While keeping your spine straight, bend your chest forward. Hold for about 30 seconds. Repeat with your other leg.

Hamstring Stretch

Lie flat on the floor with legs fully stretched out. To stretch the right leg, hold the back of the right knee with both hands, pull the leg up toward the chest, and slowly straighten the knee until it feels as though it is stretching. Hold the stretch for 10–30 seconds.

Psoas Stretch

In lunge position with the back knee resting gently on the floor, keep your chest upright. Gently move forward with your back straight. You should feel a stretch across the front of the forward hip.

Cat/Cow Pose

Begin on your hands and knees with your spine in a neutral position. As you inhale and move into cow pose, lift your tailbone upward, press your chest forward and allow your belly to sink. Lift your head, relax your shoulders away from your ears, and gaze straight ahead. As you exhale, come into cat pose while rounding your spine outward, tucking in your tailbone, and drawing your pubic bone forward. Release your head toward the floor – just don’t force your chin to your chest. Most importantly, just relax.

Bird Dog Pose

Raise your right arm and left leg, keeping your shoulders and hips parallel to the floor. Lengthen the back of your neck and tuck your chin into your chest to gaze down at the floor. Hold this position for a few seconds, then lower back down to the starting position and alternate arm/leg.

Glute Bridges

Lie face up on the floor, with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Keep your arms at your side with your palms down. Lift your hips off the ground until your knees, hips and shoulders form a straight line. Squeeze those glutes hard and keep your abs drawn in so you don’t overextend your back during the exercise. Hold the bridge for a couple of seconds before easing down.

Planks

Lay on the floor with your elbows under your shoulders, hands flat on the floor and core engaged. Keeping your forearms on the floor slowly raise yourself upwards until your body is in a straight line from your feet to your head. Keep your abs tight and keep a neutral spine position.

Mini Band Lateral Walk

Place the band just above each ankle and around both legs. Position your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees slightly and move into a half-squat position. Keep your feet in line with your shoulders and face forward with your body weight evenly distributed over both feet. Maintaining the half-squat position, shift your weight over one leg and take a step sideways with the other leg for 8 to 10 steps.